Dealing with Swimming Pool Algae

Has your swimming pool developed a slightly green tinge recently? Can you see green growth on the walls or floor of your swimming pool? If you can you probably have Algae which should be treated straight away.

It is also worth noting that not all swimming pool algae is green. If you see black spots on your pool walls or floor these may be caused by black algae. This is one of the most difficult to get rid of.

You may also encounter yellow algae, sometimes called mustard algae. This tends to cling to the pool walls, particularly in shady areas. Like black algae, it can be very difficult to eradicate.

Algae spores will get into your swimming pool carried on the wind, in rainwater and even carried on people's swimming costumes. An imbalance in water treatment chemicals, warm weather, sunlight and maybe the presence of nitrates in the water can encourage the algae to bloom. Most commonly, poor filtration and water sanitisation are at the root of many algae problems.

Treatment for swimming pool algae starts with cleaning the pool. Organic material, such as leaf debris, can contribute towards algae growth. Swimming pools need to be regularly brushed, even if they look clean, to remove microscopic bacteria and dirt from the pool walls and floor.

Next on the list should be addressing the acidity and alkalinity of the swimming pool water. The pH of your swimming pool water should be in the range from 7.2. to 7.4 for water treatment to be effective.

After cleaning and addressing the pH balance of your swimming pool water you are ready to attack the algae with an appropriate algaecide. If you are unsure of what to use then you should consult the swimming pool experts at 1st Direct Pools.

Once treated with an effective algaecide you will need to shock your pool water to remove chemical residue. Shocking or 'super chlorinating' significantly raises the chlorine levels for a short time ensuring that any living bacteria are completely destroyed.

Next, you should look at your pool filtration system. Backwash the sand to clean it or, if you have a cartridge system, change the cartridge.

Once you have managed to return your swimming pool water to a useable state it is important to establish a regular routine for testing and inspecting the swimming pool water to ensure that it remains healthy.